The 8 Best Splitboard Bindings of 2022-2023
By: Stew Langner: Snowboard Buyer | September 28, 2022
With splitboarding becoming more accessible to push snowboarders’ riding into new zones and boundaries, binding technology continues to push the limits and create a more similar feel to traditional strap bindings. Whether you are choosing your first splitboard setup or want to finally rip that line you’ve been eyeing for years, the responsiveness and customization of splitboard bindings provide a variety of options to ensure you’re not sacrificing anything on the climb up or the ride down. There’s more to splitboard bindings than just filling the void of something to complete your setup, whether it’s a responsive highback, forgiving straps, or easily changeable tech, make sure you’re dialed in with the best splitboard bindings for your next season of off-piste exploration.
New This Year:
The 2023 season features a wide variety of bindings that continue to push splitboard binding innovations, with lighter and easier-to-use technologies. More unisex sizing options allow for accessible splitboard bindings for all.
Union Charger
The Union Charger Splitboard Bindings are an all-new offering from a brand at the forefront of splitboarding. Made with an innovative dual lock system similar to the front of ski bindings, this pinless system allows for fast and easy transitions from the skin track to the downhill. Spend more time shredding and less fumbling with your gear, all it takes is the flick of a lever.
Union’s Charger Splitboard Bindings are the innovation-leading company’s latest take on off-piste ripping. Built with the unique dual lock system, the Chargers will allow you to easily lock in for your skin mission while having an effortless transition to downhill charging.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Union | 1650 g | 7/10 | Yes | $499.95 |
Spark R&D Arc ST
The moderate-flexing Spark R&D Arc ST Splitboard Bindings, ideal for freestyle-oriented backcountry riders and lighter bodies, get a slew of improvements for the new season. The most significant, as indicated by the "ST" in the title, are upgrades almost anywhere there is friction during the skinning action - bindings with the "Smooth Touring" moniker have "overmolded" components with low-friction plastic over an interior metal structure, making them smoother, quieter and more durable. The Asym Rip 'N' Flip highbacks are also re-designed for better fit and functionality, and the pivoting action at the bracket is much improved with "ST" tech added. If your idea of splitboarding is more surf than huck, check out this well-thought-out design before you pull the trigger on a binding system.
The Spark R&D ST Splitboard Bindings provide the sidehit-seeking, pow-slashing, rut-laying freestyle feel that’s perfect for variable conditions, as well as days when the powder stars align. A budget-friendly option that will allow for the playfulness advanced riders crave, the Spark R&D ST bindings may have you thinking twice about how many skin tracks you can actually set in a day.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Voile | 1256 g | 5/10 | No | $429 |
Spark R&D Surge ST
Endorsed by hard chargers everywhere, the Spark R&D Surge ST Splitboard Bindings have undergone a sufficient change to warrant an upgrade to "ST" - smooth touring - status. Spark's overmolding process puts low-friction, high-strength plastic over existing metal components to reduce friction and increase durability pretty much anywhere the binding moves, making touring smoother, easier and quieter. Still the stiffest of the Spark offerings, the Surge ST also has a re-designed Asym highback and overmolded ST Whammy Bars where the bar meets the baseplate. A no-compromise approach to the riding after the approach.
The Spark R&D Surge ST Bindings have been a staple in the game thanks to their ‘ride anything’ design. Variable conditions? The chassis and highbacks fight chunder to maximize board feel and predictability. Powder day? The surfiness from comfortable straps and an asymmetrical highback allow for easy-flowing pow slashes. Oh and don’t get us started on the ease of transition from touring to boarding…
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Voile | 1378 g | 7/10 | No | $459 |
Karakoram PRIME NOMAD + Split Interface
The most versatile binding in The moderate-flexing Karakoram's product line, the Karakoram PRIME NOMAD + Split Interface Splitboard Bindings deliver in every touring environment. With a solid chassis feel and a slightly stiffer highback flex, the Prime Nomad is set for all-day or all-week missions into Gnarnia and beyond). Smooth, light, quick, and easy to transition, this binding comes alive out of bounds.
The Karakoram Prime Nomad+ Binding is designed for advanced-to-expert riders who are comfortable exploring new terrain, but also demand versatile equipment that can deliver in any condition. Thanks to a blend of forgiving and responsive flex patterns, the ease of transition makes these splitboard bindings the ultimate package for out-of-bounds destruction.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Karakoram | 1300 g | 8/10 | Yes | $699.95 |
Burton Hitchhiker
Part of getting to those epic BC lines is having a kit that is up to snuff and the Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings will be a major piece in that puzzle. Boasting a burly, yet lightweight aluminum baseplate designed by Spark R&D for climbing convenience and descending confidence. A dual position, single wire ramp adjuster changes angles on the fly when you climb. Going up is half the fun and when going down, fully adjustable straps will lock down your boots into a high-performance, single-component highback in a flash. If you're ready to break out of the confines of the resort and want gear you can rely on then give the Burton Hitchhiker Splitboard Bindings a ride.
The Burton Hitchhikers perfectly blends the worlds of splitboarding with traditional strap bindings. Featuring arguably the most comfortable out-of-the-box straps, the Hitchhiker splitboard bindings balance Spark’s tried and true track record with the proven flex and performance of Burton highbacks and straps.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Voile | N/A | Stiff | No | $489.95 |
Union Explorer
The Union Explorer Splitboard Bindings are your ticket to the skin track, constructed with Union's tried and true technology that brings all the power and precision you need for a great day. While other splitters are complaining about harsh baseplates and input lag, you'll feel like you're on a set of regular downhill bindings popping, jibbing, and carving with ease. Their lightweight and strong construction sacrifices nothing on the downhill. So much so that Union includes an adapter for your solid. Go out into the backcountry knowing you have top-notch hardware, Union-tough materials, and a smooth feel in the steep and deep.
The Union Explorer Splitboard Bindings provide a great option for advanced riders who are looking for a freestyle-feeling, budget-friendly binding that will allow them to dip their toes (or toeside edge) into splitboarding.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Union | 1620 g | 7/10 | Yes | $399 |
Nitro Vertical
Fresh-faced and raring to go, Nitro's first foray into the hard-nosed world of splitboard bindings are immediately capable of hanging with the best in the biz. That's because they're engineered in collaboration with Spark R&D, combining the simplicity and reliability of Spark's Tesla T1 platform with Nitro’s bomber components, a split-specific Recline Highback with hike and ride functionality, and the glove-like fit of their Übergrip Toe Straps. Whether marching up the skin track or surfing the white wave down, you'll want the Nitro Vertical Splitboard Bindings under your feet this season.
Nitro knows a thing or two about splitboarding, having been in the game for awhile now with their ever-expanding offering of splitboards. They have now joined the splitboard binding segment leaning on Spark R&D's years of expertise in the field to hit the ground running with this responsive offering for advanced riders.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Voile | 1550 g | 9/10 | No | $479.95 |
Karakoram PRIME Guide Hardboot
Hardboot splitboarding puts efficiency at the forefront, with so much less of your efforts disappearing into soft, flexy parts of your gear. Karakoram PRIME Guide Hardboot Splitboard Bindings work with their excellent splitboard hardware to bring the lightest, most peak-baggingy setup to the sideways-standing snow world. Guides, alpinists, and those interested in the longest approaches in the mountains are the target audience here. Canted footbeds put your knees in a better position during ride mode, so you can enjoy all the extra vert you're going to get.
Hardbooters need love too. Karakoram’s Prime Guide Splitboard Bindings provide the hard-charging platform for riders who want to lay off-piste ruts and pillage unchartered terrain. Added comfort and stability comes in the form of canted footbeds with the free-flexing feel hardboot riders love.
| System | Weight (Pair) | Flex | Pucks Included | Original Price |
| Karakoram | N/A | N/A | No | $505.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Snowboard Guides:
Snowboards - Snowboard Rocker Explained
Snowboards - Kids' Snowboards Size Chart
Snowboards - How to Choose a Freestyle Park Setup
Snowboards - How to Choose Snowboard Shapes
Asymmetrical Snowboard Shapes Guide
Snowboard Boots - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Snowboard Boots - How to Put on & Fit
Snowboard Bindings - How to Choose & Compatibility Guide
Snowboard Bindings – How To Set Up
How to Wax a Snowboard
Socks - How to Choose Snowboard Socks
Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
Goggles - How to Choose
Goggles - Wearing Goggles with Glasses
Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Outerwear - What to Wear Snowboarding
Outerwear - How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
Outerwear - Regional Snowboard Guide
Snowboard Socks - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Snowboarding - How to Get in Shape
Travel - How to Fly with Snowboards
Splitboarding - Board and Binding Weight Chart
Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Airbag Pack
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Beacon
Backcountry - Climbing Skins Size Guide
Backcountry - How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel
Backcountry - How to Choose Climbing Skins
Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
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The Best Snowboard Bindings
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The Selection Process:
Our snowboard buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things snowboarding stemming from years of experience in the snowboard industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
